The biggest cigarette seizure in 2022

In the operational action SAGITTARIUS at the Rača Border Crossing, authorised officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) seized 51,500 packs of cigarettes worth BAM 309,000.

Authorised officers of the Group for the Prevention of Smuggling and Offenses, Regional Center Tuzla, on the basis of operative activities, conducted a detailed inspection of a cargo motor vehicle at the Rača border crossing. In the shipment entering the customs territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, work equipment was declared as goods being imported into Bosnia and Herzegovina. A detailed search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of undeclared and unmarked excise goods hidden and smuggled. These included 51,500 packs of cigarettes (Regina, Manchester, Corset, FM, Trocadero), the total market value of which is estimated at BAM 309,000. Activities on the ground were carried out in accordance with the directions and instructions of the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH and the order of the BiH Court.

A Report on the committed criminal offense and the perpetrator will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina against the suspected person, due to the existence of grounds for suspicion that the criminal offense Trafficking has been committed, from Article 214 of the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the course of undertaking measures within its jurisdiction, specialist equipment was used, donated by the US Embassy through the EXBS and UNODC programs.

We remind you that in the course of 2022, the Department for the Implementation of Regulations of RC Tuzla, the Group for the Prevention of Smuggling and Violations temporarily and permanently seized 91,179 packs of cigarettes, 7,900 packs of hand-rolled cigarettes, 2 tobacco cutting machines, 1,382 kg of finely cut tobacco and 615 kg of  leaf tobacco.

The Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina invites all citizens to report any form of customs or VAT evasion, or illegal sale of excise goods to our open line 080 02 06 07. All calls are free and completely anonymous. Citizens can also send a photo and location where cigarettes and tobacco are sold illegally to Viber number 065 355 155.